"If Even Kim Seung-won Falls": Will He Ultimately Appoint Him? ... Why the Press Conference Was Delayed

[Anchor]

Let's take a closer look at today's (September 18) press conference with reporter Kang Cheongwan, who covers the Blue House.

Q. Will President Lee appoint Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won?

[Reporter Kang Cheongwan: President Lee Jae-myung stated that he would make a careful decision by taking into account numerous criticisms and the public's expectations. Although the National Assembly adopted the confirmation hearing report yesterday led by the ruling party, analyses suggest that withholding the appointment until today is primarily aimed at showing that he is giving it the deepest possible consideration. Within the ruling camp, the prevailing opinion is that if even Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won falls, it would deal a fatal blow to the administration. That is why many predict President Lee will agonize over it, but will ultimately proceed with the appointment. However, some within the ruling camp also voice concern that if the president pushes ahead with appointing nominee Kim right after spending considerable time saying that the public was right and that he was lacking, the purpose of the press conference could be undermined.]

Q. What is the reason behind the "30-minute delay" of the press conference?

[Reporter Kang Cheongwan: Yes, it was quite unusual. At 8:24 a.m., just about an hour and a half before the press conference, an announcement was made that the briefing would be delayed by 30 minutes. Upon looking into it, it was reported that President Lee personally reviewed anticipated questions and answers again, delaying the start time specifically to put extra care into his opening remarks. During his opening remarks, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, he maintained a low tone and a humble posture throughout, saying, "I was lacking," and "The public was right." In contrast to critical assessments from the opposition, an official from the Blue House evaluated it as "the highest-level letter of apology a sitting president could write."]

Q. Why the firm stance on "constitutional amendment for consecutive presidential terms" and "troop dispatch to Hormuz"?

[Reporter Kang Cheongwan: The controversies over a constitutional amendment allowing consecutive presidential terms and the troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz were the matters of greatest interest. President Lee drew a firm line by using expressions such as "not at all" and "clearly." As the press conference took place amid falling approval ratings, this appears to be a calculated move to quell controversy surrounding sensitive issues for the public, particularly his support base, through a clear statement of position. However, criticism is also being raised over the lack of specific and clear explanations regarding the cabinet reshuffle controversies, including nominees Yong Hye-in and Kim Seung-won, as well as his remark regarding the leveraged ETF controversy that "someone must have decided it." Regarding questions on the jeonse (lump-sum deposit lease) issue, voices in political circles also point out that rather than simply explaining that he did not say it should disappear, there should have been a more responsible answer regarding the surging costs of jeonse and monthly rent. In a poll released today by Gallup Korea, President Lee's approval rating stood at 37%, renewing a record low for the fourth consecutive week, and attention is focused on whether this press conference will bring about any change in his ratings.]
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.